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Kiwis centre Shontayne Hape could be the next New Zealand league player to adopt the red rose of England.
The Herald understands the Bradford Bulls star has agreed terms with Premiership club Northampton and that the deal is subject only to the granting of a work permit. Hape is contracted by the Bulls until the end of 2009 but would likely have a get-out clause in his Super League contract.
Like former Bradford teammate and close friend Lesley Vainikolo, who exercised his own get-out clause mid-way through last year, Hape would qualify to play for England on residency grounds.
The 26-year-old joined Bradford in 2003 from the Warriors after falling out with the New Zealand club following his rehabilitation from a horrific knee injury.
Vainikolo made his England debut against Wales at the weekend after just nine games of rugby for Gloucester since switching codes mid-way through last year.
The blockbusting winger was an instant hit in the 15-man code, setting a new Premiership record of five tries in a match on his debut against Leeds Tykes and setting up a try with his first touch of the ball for England against Wales on Sunday.
Hape, who has better skills and is more creative than the out-and-out finisher Vainikolo, would be odds-on to follow a path first travelled by Henry Paul, from the Kiwis to England.
Hape and Vainikolo formed a devastating combination at Bradford and both would relish the chance to team up again for England.
Auckland-born Hape is one of Bradford's highest-paid players but he would likely command up to double his current salary in the Premiership. Hape starred in the Kiwis' 24-0 Tri Nations final victory over the Kangaroos in 2005 but his career has been dogged by injury. He has endured three knee reconstructions and has previously said he would consider switching to rugby in a bid to prolong his shelf life.
The last of his 11 appearances for the Kiwis was in the 44-0 drubbing by Great Britain in Hull.
